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Chelsea Manning sues the US Government for gender reassignment surgery

Sep 24 2014
Written by Joseph McCormick

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Lawyers for Chelsea Manning have filed a lawsuit demanding that the Department of Defense allow her to have gender reassignment surgery during her incarceration.

Manning, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison after disseminating classified information via WikiLeaks, revealed over a year ago that she would attempt to transition behind bars at Fort Leavenwoth prison.

The lawsuit names Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel as a defendant, as well as two commanding officers, states that the whistleblower has been “denied access to medically necessary treatment for her gender dysphoria.”

The documents seek to “compel defendants to treat her serious medical need consistent with their obligation under the Constitution.”

In July, it was reported that US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel had approved plans to start her treatment in the military institution.

However, a statement to NBC on the anniversary of her coming out revealed she was still banned from presenting as female.

Manning is serving a 35-year sentence at Ford Leavenworth.